IBD is a chronic relapsing condition

IBD is a chronic relapsing condition Lack of awareness about the condition and its seriousness in India, says IMA New Delhi, 27 July 2017: Statistics indicate that about 50 lakh people around the world have IBD or inflammatory bowel disease. In India, the number of cases exceed 12 lakh annually. However, there is not much awareness on the seriousness and symptoms of this disease in the country. As per the IMA, this is a chronic relapsing condition wherein the symptoms can be managed with a combination of care, medication, hospitalization, and sometimes surgical intervention. IBD is an umbrella term for two diseases namely Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease. The incidence of UC is very high in India when compared to Crohn's disease. While Crohn’s can affect any part of the digestive system, UC affects only the rectum and the colon. 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, “IBD can be a painful and debilitating condition. If left undetected and untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as fistula intestinal obstruction, bowel dysfunction, and even colon cancer. UC causes long-lasting inflammation in a part of the digestive tract. It occurs only through continuous stretches of the colon and the symptoms show up over time. Crohn’s disease, on the other hand, causes inflammation anywhere along the lining of the digestive tract, spreading deep into affected tissues eventually. This further causes abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, and even malnutrition. Surgery may be required in those with Crohn’s disease to remove a damaged or diseased part of the intestine. Sometimes, the entire large intestine is removed, with or without the rectum.” Some symptoms of inflammation of the intestinal tract include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, urgent need to move bowels, abdominal cramps and pain, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and constipation (which can lead to bowel obstruction). There could also be other general symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, and loss of normal menstrual cycle. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “IBD is generally treated with anti-inflammatory drugs which are special derivatives of 5 ASA derivatives. These are used either orally or through enema, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biological agents, antibiotics, anti-diarrheal drugs, and laxatives. Regular treatment and frequent tests are imperative.” IBD can be controlled through certain lifestyle modifications as follows. Identify the triggers For some these triggers could be food such as dairy products. Identifying the foods that trigger the symptoms and avoiding them is crucial.
Go for less gassy foods Avoid beans, cabbage, and cauliflower as these can cause gas. Consume more of foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Eat smaller meals This will help your digestive system to adjust better to the condition.
Keep yourself adequately hydrated Drink plenty of water and other fluids. However, limit the consumption of caffeine and alcohol.

PCOS a major cause of infertility among Indian women

PCOS a major cause of infertility among Indian women Study finds about 25% of Indian women to be suffering from this condition, excess weight being a major contributing factor New Delhi 23 May 2017: According to a study by the PCOS Society, 1 in every 10 women in India suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Out of every 10 women diagnosed with this condition, 6 are teenage girls. PCOS is a common endocrinal system disorder among women of reproductive age. Additionally, about 20% to 25% of the women in India who are in the childbearing age suffer from PCOS, shows a study conducted by the department of endocrinology and metabolism, AIIMS. Those with PCOS have been found to have higher than normal insulin levels. Such an increase in the level of insulin can make the ovaries produce more androgens such as testosterone. Such women therefore struggle with weight issues, complicating the disorder further. If left unchecked or undiagnosed, PCOS can lead to infertility and a host of other long-term health concerns. 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, "PCOS can lead to the development of cysts as the ovaries are unable to release eggs on time. As a result of this, the follicles keep growing and form multiple cysts, which appear like 'a string of pearls'. Women are more likely to develop PCOS if their mother or sister also have this condition. The symptoms of PCOS include weight gain, fatigue, unwanted hair growth, thinning hair, infertility, acne, pelvic pain, headaches, sleep problems, and mood changes. Symptoms can begin shortly after puberty and reach into early adulthood. Young girls with PCOS tend to have irregular periods or amenorrhea, and heavy or scanty bleeding during menses. PCOS can also make women vulnerable to other health complications like hypertension, high cholesterol, anxiety and depression, sleep apnea, heart attack, diabetes and endometrial, ovarian and breast cancer." Though PCOS cannot be cured, it can be managed by bringing about certain lifestyle changes such as losing up to 5% to 10% of body weight. It is also important to maintain an active routine and eat healthy. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "PCOS, particularly among young girls, is an urgent public health problem requiring careful assessment, timely intervention, and appropriate treatment. The best possible way to manage this condition is exercise and a healthy diet which in turn will regulate the menstrual cycle and lower blood glucose levels." Additionally, the following tips can help manage PCOS better. • Consume foods that are high in fibre such as broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach; nuts like almonds and walnuts; and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. • Have five small meals instead of three big meals as this will help in metabolizing food and maintaining weight. • Indulge in physical activity for about 30 minutes a day, five days a week to reduce or maintain a reasonable weight.