India has improved its global action plan for prevention and control of pneumonia

India has improved its global action plan for prevention and control of pneumonia

Pneumonia can be mild to life threatening and preventive action is a must

New Delhi, 01 November 2017: As per recent statistics, India is responsible for 20% of all pneumonia deaths, which is nearly 3.5 lakh. Of all the states, Uttar Pradesh tops the list in terms of these deaths. However, reports also indicate that India is among the 12 nations that have improved their Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (GAPPD) score this year. The health ministry recently announced a partial introduction of the vaccine in five states including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.

Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection affecting the lungs. In a healthy person, the small sacs called alveoli in the lungs fill with air while breathing. However, in pneumonia, these get filled with pus and fluid, making breathing painful and limiting oxygen intake. Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems. Many germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe. The body usually prevents these germs from infecting your lungs. However, sometimes these can overpower the immune system, even if a person’s general health is good. The most common type is community-acquired pneumonia which occurs outside of hospitals or other health care facilities. The other forms of pneumonia are hospital-acquired pneumonia, healthcare acquired pneumonia, and aspiration pneumonia.”

The signs and symptoms of this condition include chest pain while breathing or coughing; confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older); cough, which may produce phlegm; fatigue; fever, sweating, and shaking chills; lower than normal body temperature; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; and shortness of breath.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “While most cases of pneumonia can be treated at home, babies, children, and people with severe pneumonia may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment. Pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics, even if viral pneumonia is suspected as there may be a degree of bacterial infection as well. The type of antibiotic used and the way it is given will be determined by the severity and cause of the pneumonia.”

The following tips can help prevent pneumonia.

• Get vaccinated. There are vaccines that can prevent some types of pneumonia and the flu. The vaccination guidelines have changed over time and should be reviewed with the doctor even if one has received a pneumonia vaccine earlier.
• Ensure that children get vaccinated. Doctors recommend a different pneumonia vaccine for children younger than age 2 and for children ages 2 to 5 years who are at particular risk of pneumococcal disease.
• Practice good hygiene to protect yourself against respiratory infections that may lead to pneumonia. Wash your hands regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Don't smoke as it candamage the natural defense of the lungs against respiratory infections.
• Keep the immune system strong by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet.

Summer-related ailments resurface

Summer-related ailments resurface 90% of the cases reported are due to overexposure to heat and prevention is key, says IMA New Delhi, 11 June, 2017: It is that time of the year again when everyone laments about the hot and sultry weather conditions. Be it students or professionals, everyone is exposed to the summer heat in some way or the other. With the weather becoming unpredictable by the day, many summer-related ailments are beginning to resurface. The IMA has cautioned people against common heat-related disorders and urged them to take preventive measures. The country faced a terrible heat wave in 2015 which took over 2000 lives and 2016 was also the hottest year since 1901. Heat stress is a condition in which the human body experiences more heat than it can tolerate. *Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said that*, "Many different kinds of ailments can strike in the summer. Some of these include Hyperthermia, heat rash, cramps, edema, and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is another condition where a person exposed to excessive heat or performing heavy exercise fails to replenish the body with fluids and electrolytes lost during the exertion. The body muscles become fatigued and can start aching as well. If left unattended, these can lead to a fainting spell. Many skin-related ailments like psoriasis, rashes, and blisters also get triggered due to excessive heat. There is a need to be careful about gastrointestinal problems like inflation in the intestines, diarrhea, dysentery, and excessive vomiting too. Women are prone to bacterial and viral infections in the urinary tract area." Ensuring that one's daily diet has plenty of water and mineral content in it can help keep these heat disorders at bay. Consume cooling and refreshing vegetables and fruits. It is a good idea to avoid high-protein food, and those on a special diet regime which requires consumption of high-protein food, should balance it by drinking 5 to 6 cups of water. Caffeine, tea, coffee, and alcohol tend to promote dehydration and are best kept to the minimum. Adding further, *Dr Aggarwal*, said, "Constant exposure to heat without any precautions can lead to heat strokes which can be fatal. Every second patient visiting a doctor during summer suffers from some kind of summer ailment, allergies, or their side-effects. It is imperative to constantly keep replenishing the body with fluids to compensate for the loss from sweat." Here are some precautions one can take during summers to avoid heat-related disorders. - Carry a water bottle everywhere. - Avoid sugary drinks and packed juices. - Drink water in short intervals and regularly. - Do not wear dark and tight clothes. Light-colored and loose fitting clothes preferably in cotton are the best to tackle summer heat. - Eat a lot of summer fruits and vegetables which are rich in water and minerals like watermelons, melons, cucumber, and zucchini to name a few. - In case you have to travel, keep the supplies required for keeping your body cool and rested, ready with you. - Exercise in moderation. Lightweight and breathable clothing can help minimize heat build-up. Practice yoga, skipping, and brisk walking. Try remaining indoors, stay hydrated, and do not over exert your body in these months.

Swine flu resurfaces in India

Swine flu resurfaces in India 103 deaths reported in Pune, Nashik, Ahmedabad and 160 nationally in the past three months; prevention through hygienic practices is key according to experts New Delhi, 12 April 2017: The first three months of the year 2017 have already seen a four-fold increase in swine flu deaths across Maharashtra. Between January 1 and April 10, more than 100 deaths have been recorded compared to a total of 25 in 2016, in major cities in the country. According to experts, 7,581 suspected cases have been reported and more than 23,000 people have been vaccinated against the H1N1 influenza. A respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses, swine flu infects the respiratory tract leading to barking cough, decreased appetite, and nasal secretions.It can be transmitted easily through the air, skin, saliva, and contaminated surfaces. Among other reasons, experts have attributed this sudden surge in swine flu cases due to the huge difference in day and night temperatures over the last few days. Viruses thrive in environments where there is a large difference between the minimum and maximum day temperatures. Speaking about the outbreak, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said, "Swine flu is a respiratory illness that originated in pigs. However, it is now a human disease that spreads by coughing and sneezing. The symptoms resemble those in a seasonal flu such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and chills. Occasionally, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash may also be present. Pregnant women, children under five, elderly and those with serious medical conditions are most vulnerable to this disease.Only sore throat is not a sign of swine flu. Patients with normal flu don't require antibiotics. However, severe breathlessness and blood on coughing are ominous signs and need investigation and/or hospitalization. The symptoms usually last for 1 to 2 weeks." Respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette, and hand hygiene are the three aspects of prevention from swine flu. Respiratory hygiene involves maintaining a distance of at least 3 feet from the person who is coughing and sneezing. Cough etiquettes involve covering the mouth and nose with a tissue while coughing and sneezing and disposing off the used tissue in a waste basket. Hand hygiene is a very critical aspect of prevention from this disease. Hand hygiene involves washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs. As per a survey conducted by Heart Care Foundation of India, involving 63 schools both public and government, with 6047 students (2817 Girls and 3230 Boys), 76% of the students (4576) were not aware of the role that cough etiquettes play in the prevention of flu. "Some of the same antiviral drugs that are used to treat seasonal flu also work against H1N1 swine flu. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), and zanamivir (Relenza) seem to work best. Influenza vaccines can prevent flu caused by human strains, which is recommended for children above 6 months; adults over 50 years of age; patients with pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, neurologic, hematologic disorders, and diabetes mellitus; and pregnant females and health care providers. The inactivated vaccine can be given to the above groups. The live attenuated influenza vaccine (intranasal spray) can be given only to persons aged 2 to 49 years (not to pregnant females),"Dr Aggarwal added. Doctors also advise against self-medication. As the symptoms of swine flu can overlap with other viral infections, it is imperative to visit a health facility for correct diagnosis before any treatment options are considered.

World Tuberculosis Day: prevention, management and treatment of TB

World Tuberculosis Day: prevention, management and treatment of TB
IMA is determined to spread awareness and educate Indians about causes, prevention and management of Tuberculosis New Delhi, March 23, 2017: Every year March 24, is marked as World Tuberculosis Day, to spread awareness and educate people about the prevention and management of tuberculosis (TB). The Day also highlights the success and progress achieved till date in curbing TB. India has the highest TB burden in the world. According to WHO statistics (2014), globally 9 million people are diagnosed with TB out of which 2.2 million cases are reported from India. Around 40% of the Indian population is infected with TB bacteria, and among these TB patients cases of latent TB are significantly higher than active TB cases. Each year 12 lakh Indians are newly diagnosed with TB out of which at least 2.7 lakh Indians die. TB can affect any age, caste or race but poor people and mostly men are at increased risk of TB. Slum dwellers, tribal populations, prisoners and individuals with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop TB, compared to general population. The economic and social burden associated with TB is extremely high in India. It was observed that between 2006 and 2014, TB cost the Indian economy a massive loss of USD 340 billion. Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal, National President, Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said that, “Because of lack of awareness, large number of TB cases either go undiagnosed, or if diagnosed, are not treated properly, or treated but not registered to Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP). Tuberculosis is a notifiable disease. IMA is determined to educate its 2.5 lakh members as well as the Indian population about the importance of timely diagnosis, prevention, management and rehabilitation of TB. IMA is determined to bring each and everyone together to help raise a common voice against the growing incidence of TB in our country and hope that we will fulfil the aim of Swachh, Swasth and TB Mukt Bharat.” “Tuberculosis is an extremely contagious disease that is transmitted from one person to another through droplet nuclei, which are less than 5 microns in size. These droplet nuclei can remain suspended in the air for long periods, and thus are a source of exposure to susceptible individuals from the throat and lungs of patients with active respiratory disease. The causative agent of TB is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most commonly affects the lungs. The common symptoms of active TB of the lung includes: cough, blood in sputum, chest pain, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats. Tuberculosis is a curable disease,” added Dr K K Aggarwal. Some points of importance about TB • Cough of more than 2 weeks, must not be ignored. • Diagnosis and management of TB cases should be done as per the IMA Standards for TB Care in India. • Serological tests for diagnosis of TB are banned in India. • MDR or multidrug drug resistant TB should be treated for at least 24 months. • Proper counseling of all TB patients on cough hygiene, nutrition & treatment adherence must be done.

World Cancer Day: IMA Campaign for Cancer Awareness, Prevention & Early detection

World Cancer Day: IMA Campaign for Cancer Awareness, Prevention & Early detection The burden of cancer cases in India is rising. About one million new cases of cancer occur in India every year. According to a report compiled from cancer registries across India by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) (May 19, 2016), India is likely to have over 17.3 lakh new cases of cancer and over 8.8 lakh deaths due to the disease by the year 2020. An estimated 8.8 lakh people are expected to succumb to the disease by 2020. The most common cancer among women is breast cancer, while mouth cancer is the commonest cancer among men. About one third of cancer deaths are related to 5 leading behavioral and dietary risks 1. Tobacco 2. High BMI 3. Low fruit and vegetable consumption 4. Lack of physical activity 5. Alcohol use Tobacco is the biggest and the most preventable cause of cancer. It causes nearly 20% of global cancer deaths and around 70% of lung cancer deaths worldwide. Creating awareness becomes especially important as only 12.5 per cent of patients come for treatment in early stages of the disease. IMA requests all its branches / members to plan an activity to increase awareness about cancer among their patients and the community. Press sensitization, poster in your clinics, lectures, CMEs, SMS or email to all members are some of the activities can be done. Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA & HCFI

Consume natural food and don’t just depend on supplements to prevent heart disease

Consume natural food and don’t just depend on supplements to prevent heart disease New Delhi, July 12, 2016: One should consume seasonal vegetables and locally grown natural food and vegetables or those grown in organic farms," said Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Honorary Secretary General IMA. Eating less, a lighter dinner, and eating natural and in moderation are few of the mantras. Taking food supplements in excessive quantities can be harmful. According to the American Heart Association, supplementation with beta carotene and Vitamin E, either alone or in combination with each other or other antioxidant vitamins does not prevent heart disease. High-dose Vitamin E supplementation (400 IU/day) may be associated with an increase in all-cause mortality. Supplementation with vitamin C does not prevent second heart attack. Beta carotene supplementation may be dangerous and should be discouraged. Vitamin E supplementation may be of benefit for only secondary prevention of heart patients with chronic renal failure who are undergoing hemodialysis. The American Heart Association concluded that current data do not justify the use of antioxidant supplements for the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disease risk. The above recommendations apply to supplementation only. Diets high in natural antioxidants are associated with lower cardiovascular mortality. Some tips • Have a mix of all seven colours & six tastes • Avoid refined carbs • Say no to trans fats • Reduce red meat